Missions of California - San Francisco Solano

Mission San Francisco Solano, named for Peruvian missionary St. Francis Solano, was the last in the chain to be built, founded by Father Jose Altimira on July 4, 1823. It was the only mission founded without prior approval of the Church, as Father Altimira and Governor Arguello conspired to halt the expanding Russian presence. Ironically, the Russians from Fort Ross helped the mission by sending many supplies, including a bell.

The new mission seemed to get off to a good start, but soon the cruelty of Father Altimira became evident. His constant flogging and imprisonment of the Native Americans caused a revolt. In 1826 the mission was attacked and burned and Father Altimira was forced to flee. His kind and faithful replacement, Father Fortuni, rebuilt the mission and by 1830 nearly 1000 Indians were in residence.

After secularization, the mission fell into disrepair and the remains were purchased by the Historic Landmark Society in 1903. Restoration was completed in 1913 and the mission is now part of the Sonoma Mission State Historic Park.